Oman Air celebrated the launch of its latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at London Heathrow on Sunday. The new aircraft serving the London to Muscat route features the new first class private suites and is one of three 787-9 Dreamliners to be received this year.
The inaugural flight WY101 departed Muscat at 1400 and arrived in London at 1910 on 1 July (local time). Oman Air CEO Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi was onboard flight WY101 together with members of Oman Air senior management team. All guests were greeted by HE Ambassador of Oman and key dignitaries plus officials from London Heathrow Airport.
To mark the celebration, a cake cutting ceremony was held, and before return flight WY102 jetted to Muscat, Oman Air surprised three travelling guests with golden envelopes containing complimentary business class return flights, onboard the new Dreamliner, to anywhere within Oman Air’s network.
This latest Dreamliner features the new first class product with eight private suites, with one of the longest 180-degree flat-bed seats available on any commercial airliner and 55-inch tall doors, plus 24 business class seats and 232 economy seats.
“Invaluable to us in… attracting new premium passengers”
Kelpesh Patel, interim country manager UK & Ireland, Oman Air, said: “We are delighted to offer guests travelling from London to Muscat such an exceptional product.
“With its new private suites the Dreamliner offers the best possible experience and will be invaluable to us in growing the market and attracting new premium passengers. Launching on the London to Muscat route confirms our investment in travellers from the UK.”
James Yardley, airport services manager, Oman Air, said: “We’ve seen a growing demand ex-UK for travel to Muscat and beyond and its very gratifying that we can meet this demand with such a fantastic, cutting edge aircraft, setting new industry standards. I’m really looking forward to seeing this Dreamliner in action and am very confident that guests will enjoy the service. This is a very exciting time for Oman Air.”
With the addition of the Dreamliner, Oman Air’s fleet now consists of four Boeing 787-8, three 787-9 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330-200s, five Boeing 737-900s, 21 Boeing 737-800, four Embraer 175s, and three Boeing 737 MAX.
By the end of 2018, Oman Air will have taken delivery of five new MAX aircraft and three 787-9s. By 2022, Oman Air’s total fleet size is expected to be around 70.